I feel so bad

I had planned on exclusively breastfeeding for about 6 months. I'm putting Alex into daycare in two weeks (she'll be 10 weeks old) and I really wanted to make sure she's as protected as possible. I bought a pump and was planning on pumping at work, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I don't think it's going to be feasible I'm an attorney, and there are days I have to travel to court and I won't have an opportunity all day to pump. I can't exactly excuse myself from the court to go pump in the ladies room So, Dh and I are thinking of starting to supplement with formula during the afternoon and I'll still nurse in the AM and PM. But, it makes me feel just horrible... I feel like I'm letting my little girl down. Please tell me I'm not a horrible mommy!!

Re: I feel so bad

You are not a horrible mommy! You are a wonderful mommy, a realistic mommy!!! The fact that you are still going to be doing it in the morning and evening is going to help alot more than you think, I had trouble pumping and I had to supplement with formula, but 8 months later, I am still nursing morning and nights. I felt just as guilty as you do, but Juliette has not been sick yet other than a 24 hour bug and I firmly believe it's because I am still nursing... Hope you feel better soon!

Re: I feel so bad

Don't feel horrible at all! You have to do what's right for you as well. You're still going to be BFing at morning and night, which means she'll still be getting important nutrients. Just by caring about it so much proves that you're not a horrible mommy. You're just the opposite

Re: I feel so bad

I totally understand what you mean. For my job, I have to go to court at times to testify and I wonder myself what I am going to do those days (I returned to work 1 1/2 months ago and haven't had to go yet, but I will soon). Most of the courthouses are near court reporting agencies, so I am going to try to use a room at one of their locations. If I can't pump at the time I should, I will do it as close as possible. It might have to be lunch break, but whenever I can I will.

If you can't find a solution, don't beat yourself up over it. Any BM you give Alex is better than none. Do what's best for both of you because stress does not help you in any way. Many to you - you will do what's right for you.

Re: I feel so bad

Don't feel bad Beth - I'm thinking of starting him on formula and I'm NOT going back to work...you gave her this much already - she's happy and healthy and that's all that matters!

Re: I feel so bad

It was such a hard decision a few weeks ago to give up pumping constantly and give her formula exclusively sicne we weren't sucessful in breastfeeding. But I made the decision and even though breast milk is best, I know that she's still going to grow and thrive now. It's a hard decision but you have to weigh out all possibilities and decide on what is right for you and your baby. You were able to bf her for a really good amount of time already, and anything is better then nothing. You should be proud of yourself for everything you've given her already and know that whatever decision you make will be a good one.

Can you pump likec razy now and try to freeze some so that when you do go back to work someo f those supplemental feedings will be breast milk?

Re: I feel so bad

Posted by jcndd

Don't feel bad Beth - I'm thinking of starting him on formula and I'm NOT going back to work...you gave her this much already - she's happy and healthy and that's all that matters!

Re: I feel so bad